Make a Movie From Start to Finish | Fun Film School for Kids
Calling all mini filmmakers! In this fun, hands-on course, you’ll learn how to create a movie from start to finish—writing, filming, and editing. Grab your tablet and get ready to make movie magic like a pro! Perfect for aspiring directors!
Dana Leon, M.Ed | Reading Intervention | Dyslexia
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(51)
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What's included
9 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
Learners should show up each week with the previous week's work completed. If you need extra support with any of these lessons, I will provide a discount code to my related one-time classes, feedback on submitted work, and/or links to additional informational videos.Assessment
Assessment will occur regularly through activities embedded within lessons, on homework and on the final short-film project. There will also be informal check-ins where I assess the status of the class and determine if everyone is ready to move on. I will use these check ins to inform partnerships.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
🎬 Lights, Camera, Action! In this exciting, self-paced class, you’ll dive into the world of filmmaking and create your very own short film! From planning to filming to editing, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used by movie makers. Whether you want to learn screenwriting, camera shots, lighting, or video editing, this course has you covered! C O U R S E B R E A K D O W N PRE-PRODUCTION: Planning the Movie Lesson 1: Intro to Movie Magic Lesson 2: Intro to Screenwriting Lesson 3: Understanding Camera Shots and Angles Lesson 4: Creating Storyboards Lesson 5: Planning Your Production PRODUCTION: Filming the Movie Lesson 6: Composing Your Shots Lesson 7: Experimenting with Lighting POST-PRODUCTION: Editing the Movie Lesson 8: Video Editing: Sequencing Your Film Lesson 9: Finishing Touches I demonstrate using iMovie, but these editing techniques can be applied to any video editing app. ⭐️ Detailed syllabus below! ⭐️ NOTE: Need help with screenwriting? I offer a “mad libs”-style script for extra support. Tailored for Neurodiverse Learners As a certified special education teacher, I create engaging, supportive classes. Let's learn in a way that works best for you! 🎥 Ready to roll camera? Let’s make a movie!
Learning Goals
Learners will develop basic skills with all aspects of the filmmaking process.
This course also fulfills several state standards, please reach out if you will need these.
Syllabus
4 Units
9 Lessons
over 5 WeeksUnit 1: Overview
Lesson 1:
Intro to Movie Magic
• Learn all about the movie-making process
• Choose a movie genre and purpose for your movie. 1 assignment
Unit 2: Pre-Production
Lesson 2:
Intro to Screenwriting
• Learn all about the screenplay format.
• Analyze the difference between scripts and story formats.
• Compare and contrast the screenplay and movie versions.
• Write the screenplay for your movie. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Understanding Camera Shots and Angles
• Observe the use of camera shots and angles in your favorite movies and shows.
• Understand when to use different shots and camera angles. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Creating Storyboards
• Use what you know about camera shots and angles to plan out the visual look of your movie. 1 assignment
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class was designed with learners with special learning needs in mind. I've chunked the movie making process to make it more accessible. I also offer additional accommodations and modifications, as needed.
Parental Guidance
Depending on their story ideas, learners may need help with creating props, sets, acting, and filming. Nothing elaborate is necessary but I also try to avoid squashing creativity with practicality. I've have students make movies with their dolls when they couldn't get actors together in time.
I prefer to teach editing in iMovie because it is one of the most simple free video editors that doesn't require users to have an account. However, Adobe Premiere Rush is a great alternative for anyone working on a phone or tablet that isn't an apple device.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
I have used my own experience and the following sites to plan this course:
https://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/vocabulary-learning-filmmaking-vocabulary
https://imagesoundandstory.teachable.com/courses/
Joined December, 2021
4.9
51reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
New York Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Special Education from Manhattanville University
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a second assistant director and production assistant on a couple of independent films. I wrote and directed my own short film in my studies at a summer film program at USC. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$20
weekly9 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 84 learners
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Ages: 8-12
